Edward and the Jampires

Chapter 9

After getting something to eat, Jimin feels much better as he re-approaches the bus. I know that I need to begin to accept that this is the only way we can proceed. Jimin thinks to himself. He walks through the door of the bus to comfortable quietness. It appears that in the drama of the morning, Johnny and Skye took their leave, and Jimin can't say that he is disappointed. He really had some nerve last night, Jimin thinks but then pushes the thought away, not willing to acknowledge his true feelings. Some of the band members play cards while TV faintly plays in the background. Edward sits alone, sulking away from everyone else. Despite his emotions on the subject, Jimin approaches Edward and clears his throat to make his presence known. "I think we should talk," Jimin says quietly.

"Okay," Edward hesitantly responds, worried that he will get attacked again.

"Should we go on a walk? The wind has died down," Jimin asks.

"Sure," so the boys head out the bus door. While still snowy, the sun has come out so it is not quite so brisk and the day feels peaceful.

"I should start off with an apology. I have my reasons for my frustrations, but you didn't deserve the way I treated you. Especially when... we need you," Jimin says, almost giving away his true feelings. First, Edward looks shocked but then his face lights up a bit at the progress that they could make.

"I understand, but let me help! I'm sure that there is something we can do," Edward starts giddily.

"We will need a plan, but not today. It is still early, but this day feels like it has gone on long enough. I just thought we should address this," he says while gesturing between the two of them.

"I'm glad you did," Edward responds with a smile. He begins rubbing his hands up and down his arms from the chill. Even though the day is warming, Edward's thin sweater was hardly equipped for the season.

"Take this," Jimin says as he wraps his denim jacket over Edward's shoulders, leaving himself in just a short-sleeved t-shirt.

"You'll freeze!" Edward replies, trying to put the jacket back on Jimin until Jimin begins to laugh. "The vampire thing. Of course," he mutters in jest while retreating back into the jacket. "Thanks," He says as his face blushes.

"It looks good on you," Jimin responds with a wink, making Edward's face go even redder.

"Thanks," he responds, "I can't complain about the view either," he adds quietly. Their gazes meet and time seems to move in slow motion. Inches apart, they stand for many moments until a light breeze disrupts their reverie. They both laugh awkwardly after their moment.

"I suppose we should head back inside then," Jimin says reluctantly. "You must be getting cold".

"I feel quite nice, actually, if you would like to continue," Edward replies. They continue strolling through the forest. Every so often, Edward's foot would get caught on a tree stump, and Jimin always seems to catch him. They walk in silent understanding that the peaceful moment would end and that the next weeks would be challenging. They continue walking to put off what they know will come, and in silent appreciation of what they have at the moment.